The Schnauzer Shop
Schnauzer Breed Summary
Intelligent, Protective, Energetic, Alert and Loving
Schnauzers are thought to have originally been bred in Germany to kill rats. They were also used to drive and guard livestock as well as guarding the house and stables as well. In fact, some were even used to pull carts, meaning they were good workers all-round! It's thought the breed probably came about during the 15th century and they were even famously used in a tapestry by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Additionally, they are also featured in works by Rembrandt. They are highly prized in their native country both for their working abilities and the fact they make such lovely family pets. They were standardized during the 1800s and Grey Wolf Spitz and German Poodles were developed into the mix as well. At the beginning of the 1900s, they became formally known as Schnauzers, thought to be due to their unique-looking muzzles, which in German translates to 'schnauzer'! Nowadays, they are a very popular breed all around the world.
| Kennel Club Group | Miscellaneous |
| Lifespan | 13 – 16 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males 18in – 20in, Females 17in – 18in |
| Weight | Male and Female 35lb – 50lb |
| Coat | Short, Wiry top coat |
| Color | Black or Pied |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Common health issues | Diabetes, Pancreatitis |
| Other Names | Standard Schnauzer, Mittelschnauzer |
These doggies are highly intelligent which makes them fairly easy to train. On top of this, they are highly alert doggies and always ready to go, making them fantastic companions! Because of this, they are a good breed for first time owners. However, you will need to bear in mind that they do have a fairly stubborn streak that if not controlled, can making living with them fairly difficult. For this reason, we recommend that you socialize and train your doggies from as young as possible. These guys are also deeply protective over their possessions, families and even children. This normally makes them great watch dogs, but if it takes over, can make these guys difficult to be around, so again, make sure they're properly trained and socialized. They are also fairly energetic doggies so will need plenty of daily exercise and walkies as well. Overall though, they make lovely pets and have the ability to provide you with years of love and joy!
The Schnauzer was originally bred to work as a ratter in their native Germany. They were also used to drive livestock and to guard properties and stables, all of which were jobs they excelled at. Some dogs were even used to pull carts which made them very good all-round working farm dogs. The breed has been around since the 15th century with dogs appearing in a well-known tapestry by Lucas Cranach the Elder. They have also been depicted by Old Masters with Rembrandt being one of the artists who painted Schnauzers in his work.
These charming dogs have always been highly prized in Germany not only for their working abilities, but also because they have always been good companions and family pets. The breed was standardized during the mid-1800s when breeders introduced gray Wolfspitz and black German Poodles into the mix. They were originally called Wirehaired Pinschers and were first exhibited at a dog show in Hanover in 1879. A breed standard was established the following year in 1880.
It was only at the beginning of the nineteen hundreds that they became known as the Schnauzer which is thought to be due to the breed's rather unique looking muzzle – which in German is "schnauze" and because of the first dog to win first prize in the show ring having been called Schnauzer. In 1907. The Bavarian Schnauzer Klub was formed in Munich and the breeds popularity grew and grew throughout the world from there on in.